How to Find an Internship for Law Students
Short answer
To find an internship as a law student, start by preparing a polished resume and personalized cover letter that highlight your legal skills and interests. Use your law school's career services, networking, and online job boards to identify opportunities. Apply early, prepare well for interviews, and follow up promptly to demonstrate professionalism. Track responses to see progress and adjust your approach if needed.
What do you need before starting to look for a law internship?
Before beginning your search for a law internship, prepare key materials and gather important information to increase your chances of success. First, create a clear, professional resume focused on your legal education and relevant skills. Highlight coursework that demonstrates your knowledge, such as constitutional law or legal writing, along with any research projects or moot court participation. If you have prior work or volunteer experience, emphasize skills like writing, analysis, or client interaction, even if not legal in nature.
Next, draft a cover letter tailored to legal internships. Use specific examples to explain why you want to intern at a particular firm or organization, such as an interest in civil rights or corporate law. For example, you might write, “My coursework in employment law has sparked my interest in advocating for workers’ rights, making your firm’s labor law practice an ideal fit.” Prepare a list of professional references, ideally professors or supervisors familiar with your academic or work performance.
Additionally, research the types of internships that exist: private law firms, government legal departments, public defender offices, courts, and nonprofit legal aid agencies. Knowing the options helps you target your search and tailor your applications accordingly. Finally, update your LinkedIn profile or other professional online presence with your education and skills, as some employers look online when vetting candidates.
What are the step-by-step actions to find a law internship and why do they matter?
- Clarify your career goals and preferred legal fields. Identify what areas of law interest you most, such as intellectual property, environmental law, or family law. This focus helps you select internships that align with your aspirations and makes your applications stronger.
- Visit your law school’s career services office. These offices often have exclusive internship listings and conduct workshops on resume writing and interviewing. Staff can also connect you to alumni willing to mentor or offer internships.
- Network extensively. Reach out to professors, alumni, and practicing lawyers, either in person or via LinkedIn. Attend legal career fairs, bar association events, or guest lectures to meet professionals who may offer guidance or openings.
- Search online job boards and legal organization websites. Use the career portals provided by your school and public sites that list internships at law firms, courts, or agencies. For example, some government legal internships post on official state or federal websites.
- Customize your application materials for each internship. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences matching the internship description. Avoid generic letters; mention something specific about the employer that appeals to you.
- Submit applications early and follow directions carefully. Many internships have firm deadlines and specific requirements, such as writing samples or transcripts. Missing instructions can disqualify your application.
- Prepare for interviews by researching the employer and practicing answers. Be ready to explain why you want the internship and how your skills fit. Prepare stories that illustrate your work ethic, problem-solving, or teamwork abilities.
- Send a polite thank-you email after interviews. Thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position. This reinforces professionalism and keeps you on their radar.
- Track all applications and responses in a spreadsheet or notebook. Record submission dates, contacts, interview schedules, and outcomes. This helps you follow up appropriately and adjust your search strategies.
Each step matters because it demonstrates careful preparation, genuine interest, and professionalism—qualities legal employers value highly and that set you apart from other candidates.
How can you tell if your internship search is working?
Signs your search is working include receiving interview invitations, positive feedback, or even internship offers. Increased responses from networking contacts or helpful advice from professionals also show progress. If you get interviews but no offers, it’s a good idea to ask for feedback and refine your interview skills or application materials.
If you find you are not getting any responses after several applications, consider broadening your search geographically or by type of legal work. For example, if you initially targeted large corporate firms, try nonprofit organizations or government agencies. Also, ask mentors or career counselors to review your resume and cover letters for clarity and impact.
Keep track of your activities weekly, noting how many applications you sent, interviews scheduled, and contacts made. This record helps you identify what works and what needs improvement. If your search stalls, revisiting your goals or seeking additional support from your school’s career office can reenergize your efforts.
What should you do if your internship search isn’t going well?
If you struggle to get interviews or offers, first review your resume and cover letter carefully. Ask a trusted advisor or career counselor to critique them for clarity, relevance, and professionalism. Sometimes small tweaks—like clearer formatting or stronger action verbs—make a big difference.
Consider expanding the types of internships you apply for, such as smaller local firms, government legal departments, or nonprofit legal aid organizations. These internships may offer valuable experience and networking opportunities, even if less visible than large firms. Volunteering for legal clinics or shadowing lawyers can also build your skills and contacts.
Enhance your qualifications by joining law-related student groups, moot court teams, or legal writing competitions. These activities demonstrate initiative and deepen your understanding of legal work. If finances allow, consider unpaid internships or externships for experience, but balance these with paid opportunities or your financial needs.
Remember to stay positive and persistent. Securing a law internship can take time, and each step forward builds your skills and confidence.
How can law students adapt these tips to their specific circumstances?
Law students come from diverse backgrounds and have varying schedules and goals. Part-time or evening students may need to look for internships that offer flexible hours or remote work options. International students should check internship eligibility regarding visas and work authorization and seek employers experienced with international candidates.
Students interested in public interest or civil rights law should focus on nonprofits, government agencies, or legal aid organizations. Tailor your applications to highlight your passion and relevant coursework or volunteer work in those areas. Conversely, students leaning toward corporate or intellectual property law might prioritize law firms or business organizations.
Use your school’s resources that cater to your circumstances, such as offices for international students or career advisors familiar with part-time schedules. Informational interviews with lawyers in your preferred practice areas can provide insights and connections suited to your unique situation.
Adapting your approach helps you find opportunities that fit your availability, interests, and legal eligibility.
Where can law students find additional legal support and advice during their internship search?
During the internship search, understanding your rights and protections as an intern is important. Resources like the U.S. Department of Labor provide information on wage laws and workplace rights. If you face discrimination or workplace harassment during internships, agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission offer guidance.
For legal advice related to student or employment rights, nonprofit legal aid organizations can help, and many law schools have clinics providing support. You can also explore online portals that list legal aid services for students.
If you need help preparing application materials, your law school’s career services office can assist with resume reviews, mock interviews, and networking strategies. For issues beyond career advice, such as harassment or legal disputes, contacting legal aid or a licensed attorney ensures you receive proper guidance.
Frequently asked questions
When should law students start applying for internships?
It’s best to start applying several months before the internship begins, often early fall for summer positions. Applying early increases your chances since many legal employers have deadlines months in advance.
Can first-year law students find internships?
Yes, many employers consider first-year students for summer internships or volunteer roles. Focus on gaining experience through research assistantships or clinic work if paid internships are limited.
What if I have no prior legal experience?
Emphasize transferable skills such as strong writing, research, or communication from academic projects or other jobs. Volunteering for legal organizations or participating in moot court can also boost your resume.
Are unpaid internships worthwhile?
Unpaid internships can offer valuable experience and networking, particularly in public interest law. However, consider your financial situation and seek paid roles if possible, or find internships providing academic credit.
How should I prepare for a law internship interview?
Research the organization thoroughly, practice answering common questions about your interests and experiences, and prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Present yourself professionally and be ready to discuss how you can contribute.